Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 14: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a two-day Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR) exercise at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bringing multiple agencies together to test coordination and response mechanisms for maritime emergencies.
The exercise involved the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Directorate of Shipping Services, Meteorological, Forest, Fisheries and Revenue Departments, along with the Police Marine Force. The Andaman and Nicobar Command said the exercise combined a Tabletop Exercise with practical demonstrations designed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and preparedness.
The exercise assumes added significance ahead of the post-monsoon cyclone season, after scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) warned of the possibility of three high-intensity tropical cyclones developing over the North Indian Ocean between October and December 2026.
According to ISRO’s predictive analysis cited in the report, the cumulative strength of cyclones during this year’s post-monsoon season could be up to 83 per cent higher than the 44-year historical average. The forecast has raised concerns for disaster management authorities along India’s eastern and western coasts.
ISRO researchers assessed four decades of historical oceanographic and atmospheric data and used global climate parameters recorded between January and August to model conditions expected during the later part of the year. The analysis indicates the potential for an unusually turbulent oceanic environment following the retreat of the summer monsoon.
The forecast provides state governments and coastal administrators with additional lead time to prepare emergency response measures. Agencies across the country are recalibrating their preparedness strategies to protect vulnerable populations and maritime assets, according to the report.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands face particular maritime-response challenges because they lie close to major sea lanes carrying substantial volumes of global cargo. Ships and ferries also provide essential inter-island connectivity for inhabited islands in the Andaman group, making maritime preparedness critical during periods of severe weather.
During the two-day exercise, participating agencies rehearsed responses through simulated scenarios and field demonstrations. Ships, helicopters and small rescue vessels took part, while rescue teams conducted realistic mock drills covering different aspects of maritime search and rescue.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command said the exercise enabled participating agencies to discuss and practise the full range of MSAR operations. It also focused on rehearsing a swift, coordinated and effective response to maritime emergencies.
The exercise concluded with participating agencies reaffirming their collective focus on maritime safety and search-and-rescue preparedness.
